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NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 4, 2026Hillsborough

Webb County Sheriff arrests Mesquite man for human trafficking and illegal weapon possession

Authorities arrested Alford Cornelius Hughes Jr. on August 1, 2026, after discovering three undocumented individuals in his vehicle during a traffic stop on I-35. Hughes faces three felony charges for human trafficking and one misdemeanor charge for illegal weapon possession.

human traffickinglaw enforcementimmigrationpublic safetycrime
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Why It Matters

This incident highlights local law enforcement efforts to address human smuggling operations and illegal firearm possession within Webb County.

Key Facts

  • Alford Cornelius Hughes Jr. was arrested on August 1, 2026, in Webb County.
  • The arrest occurred during a traffic stop on I-35 near mile marker 31.
  • The suspect was driving a 2024 Hyundai Elantra.
  • Three passengers in the vehicle were determined by the U.S. Border Patrol to be in the country illegally.
  • A loaded firearm was discovered under the driver's seat.
  • Hughes faces three third-degree felony charges for human trafficking.
  • Hughes faces one Class A misdemeanor charge for illegal weapon possession.
  • The U.S. Border Patrol took custody of the three passengers.
  • The Webb County Sheriff's Office secured the firearm.

Who's Mentioned

organizationU.S. Border Patrol“Agency that took custody of the three passengers.”personAlford Cornelius Hughes Jr.“Suspect arrested for human trafficking and illegal weapon possession.”locationWebb County“Location of the arrest.”locationI-35“Roadway where the traffic stop occurred.”personMartín Cuéllar“Webb County Sheriff who acknowledged the work of the agents.”